South Shore Summer Getaway

Home of the Indiana Dunes

Searching for the perfect family getaway? Look no further than the south shore of Lake Michigan where memories are made! Visit the Indiana Dunes for breathtaking views on a hike or a fabulous day at the beach. Dive into adventure at Whoa Zone, with inflatable water obstacles, or race down slides at Deep River Waterpark.

Discover the magic of steam power with a train ride at the Hesston Steam Museum or a boat ride at Lassen’s Resort. Tour a modern dairy farm at Fair Oaks Farms and taste fresh gummis at Albanese Candy Factory.

You don’t have to drive far to make this summer unforgettable.

Get Outdoors

Trails and beaches are just some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy along the South Shore. Find opportunities for kayaking, splashing, fishing, golfing, camping and so much more!

Indiana Dunes

The Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park are popular destinations for visitors, with some of the most bio-diverse landscapes in the nation. Though the parks are well-known for their beaches and trails, there are many more activities to enjoy all summer long. Start your bucket list with our page: 61 Things to Do at the Dunes!

Dunes Activities

Slide and Splash

Getting hot this summer? There are plenty of places to cool off and splash around in Northwest Indiana. Head to Deep River Waterpark on US 30 for some thrilling slides and lazy rivers, or check out WhoaZone inflatable waterpark right off Lake Michigan's south shore at Whihala Beach in Whiting. If the kids enjoy splash pads, there's the Aquatic Play Center by Wolf Lake in Hammond or at Bulldog Park in downtown Crown Point.

Waterparks & Splash Pads

Paddle Away

Adventurers can enjoy hundreds of miles of waterways in Northwest Indiana. Paddlers can experience no-wake lakes or the expansive waters along the South Shore of our Great Lake, Lake Michigan.

Kayaking & Canoeing

• All Outdoor Things to Do

Family Attractions

Educational Family Fun

The South Shore is home to all kinds of places for families to visit to learn, play and explore. If your kids are into trains, check out Hesston Steam Museum, the Monon Connection Museum or the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. You could also go on a steamboat ride at the Museum at Lassen's Resort!

Go on a dairy or pig adventure at Fair Oaks Farms to learn about modern-day farming practices. Or open up a world of imaginative play at Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center.

Fun While Learning

Play Centers

Discover an adventurous day of fun at the play centers throughout the South Shore. In Schererville, Let the kids release all their energy Sky Zone where they can jump on the trampolines to their heart's content or Ninja Kidz Action Park where they can try the battle beams, ziplines and so much more. There's also Up Your Alley, where you can all play bowling, laser tag or cybersport and the adults can try axe throwing

For more family fun, visit Public Bar and Rec in Crown Point where you can choose from 13 multi-sport simulator games like football or even zombie dodgeball, or play AR darts and duckpin bowling. Or you can test the family's skills on the golf simulators at Net Par in Crown Point and Munster.

Sweets and Treats

A trip to the South Shore isn't complete without a stop at Albanese Candy Factory near I-65 on US 30! The store offers thousands of options including bulk candy, nostalgic candy, nuts and mixes and of course the World’s Best Gummies and chocolates. But don't stop just there - you can also visit ChicagoLand Popcorn right across the street or at their location in Gary. Or for more sweets, visit Morkes the Chocolate Shop in Cedar Lake, Tethan's Candy and Confections in Chesteron or The Candy Cove in Crown Point's historic courthouse.

• More Family Fun

Where to Stay

Stay in a contemporary barn-like setting at the Fairfield by Marriott Fair Oaks Farms or rest your head at one of the many other hotels in the region. You can also rent a vacation home for the entire family close to the beach at Beachwalk Vacation Rentals

Find a Place to Stay